Meet the new Texans

April 30, 2011 12:00 AM

Photo: Brett Coomer/Chronicle

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Watt, right, led Wisconsin in tackles for losses, sacks (seven), quarterback hurries, forced fumbles and blocked kicks. He was second on the team in tackles with 59. He also knocked down 13 passes in two years.

Watt, right, led Wisconsin in tackles for losses, sacks (seven), quarterback hurries, forced fumbles and blocked kicks. He was second on the team in tackles with 59. He also knocked down 13 passes in two years.

Watt was the 2010 winner of the Ronnie Lott Award, given to college football’s IMPACT defensive player of the year. IMPACT stands for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

Watt was the 2010 winner of the Ronnie Lott Award, given to college football’s IMPACT defensive player of the year. IMPACT stands for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

Photo: Christine Cotter, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Watt was the 2010 winner of the Ronnie Lott Award, given to college... Photo-1208486.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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Watt, a Pewaukee, Wisc., native, started his college career at Central Michigan, where he was a tight end. He redshirted at Wisconsin in 2008, when he was named the defensive scout team player of the year. He was a walk-on his first year at Wisconsin and had to earn a scholarship. less

Watt, a Pewaukee, Wisc., native, started his college career at Central Michigan, where he was a tight end. He redshirted at Wisconsin in 2008, when he was named the defensive scout team player of the year. He ... more

Photo: Carlos Osorio, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Watt, a Pewaukee, Wisc., native, started his college career at... Photo-1208487.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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While he may not be terribly fast in close space, Watt is known as a hustler. The non-stop motor description works for him.

While he may not be terribly fast in close space, Watt is known as a hustler. The non-stop motor description works for him.

Photo: Morry Gash, ASSOCIATED PRESS

While he may not be terribly fast in close space, Watt is known as... Photo-1208488.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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As a senior in high school, Watt was a state champion in the shot put. He also lettered in baseball, basketball and track during his high school career.

As a senior in high school, Watt was a state champion in the shot put. He also lettered in baseball, basketball and track during his high school career.

Photo: Morry Gash, ASSOCIATED PRESS

As a senior in high school, Watt was a state champion in the shot... Photo-1208489.17003 - Houston Chronicle

In a story on 49ers.com in their draft profile of Watt said of twitter: “I believe it’s a great tool to use as players, for us to go directly to the fans so we can get our exact quotes out there.” Watt’s signature tweets include the hashtag “#DBWH” — Dream big, work hard. less

In a story on 49ers.com in their draft profile of Watt said of twitter: “I believe it’s a great tool to use as players, for us to go directly to the fans so we can get our exact quotes out ... more

Photo: Morry Gash, ASSOCIATED PRESS

In a story on 49ers.com in their draft profile of Watt said of... Photo-1208491.17003 - Houston Chronicle

Texans first-round pick J.J. Watt, a defensive end from Wisconsin, displays his new Texans jersey as he stands with his parents Connie and John during Friday's news conference at Reliant Stadium. Watt was the 11th overall pick. less

Texans first-round pick J.J. Watt, a defensive end from Wisconsin, displays his new Texans jersey as he stands with his parents Connie and John during Friday's news conference at Reliant Stadium. Watt was the ... more

J.J. Watt smiles as he poses for a portrait for Texans team photographer Bill Baptist.

J.J. Watt smiles as he poses for a portrait for Texans team photographer Bill Baptist.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

J.J. Watt smiles as he poses for a portrait for Texans team... Photo-1208506.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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With the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft, the Houston Texans selected Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt. Our story here.

With the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft, the Houston Texans selected Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt. Our story here.

Photo: Jason DeCrow, AP

With the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft, the Houston Texans... Photo-1208507.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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The Texans have taken a defensive player with their first overall pick in seven of the past eight drafts now with the selection of Watt.

The Texans have taken a defensive player with their first overall pick in seven of the past eight drafts now with the selection of Watt.

Photo: Jason DeCrow, AP

The Texans have taken a defensive player with their first overall... Photo-1208508.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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The Texans hope that Watt helps boost one of the NFL’s weakest pass rushes. The Texans ranked last in the NFL in pass defense and 30th in total defense last year. They ranked 23rd with just 30 sacks last year. less

The Texans hope that Watt helps boost one of the NFL’s weakest pass rushes. The Texans ranked last in the NFL in pass defense and 30th in total defense last year. They ranked 23rd with just 30 sacks last ... more

Photo: Jason DeCrow, AP

The Texans hope that Watt helps boost one of the NFL&#x2019;s... Photo-1208509.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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Still, this is a bit of a curious pick by the Texans. Watt is a defensive end by trade, and the Texans already have two defensive ends — Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. Watt may play the noseguard in Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 defense. less

Still, this is a bit of a curious pick by the Texans. Watt is a defensive end by trade, and the Texans already have two defensive ends — Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. Watt may play the noseguard in ... more

Photo: Morry Gash, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Still, this is a bit of a curious pick by the Texans. Watt is a... Photo-1208510.17003 - Houston Chronicle

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New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on Watt (99): “Watt goes 100 miles an hour on every play. He's big and strong and athletic. He was second on their team in tackles and passes defensed. Think about that. A lineman that size being second in passes defense. He knocked down a lot of passes.” less

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on Watt (99): “Watt goes 100 miles an hour on every play. He's big and strong and athletic. He was second on their team in tackles and passes defensed. Think about ... more